Glengoyne 1997 Malts of Scotland, Sherry Butt 582, 614 bts

This Glengoyne was bottled by Malts of Scotland, the well-known German independent bottler. The spirit was distilled on 17th February 1997 and bottled at the age of 12 in June 2006. Coincidence or not, this one has the same ABV as the official bottling of the 12 Year Old Cask Strength. But that’s where the comparison ends. This one is darker (due to maturation on a first fill sherry butt) and creamier.

The nose, despite the high level of alcohol, doesn’t prickle, but it does entice! It is rather typical for a sherried whisky: crème brulée, toasted nuts, slighty oaky, caramel and dark chocolate. Raisins and figs are present as expected. Wonderful. It can cope with a little bit of water, but doesn’t need it.

On the palate, this one is dry and strong. Great sherry. The wood has had quite an impact, but it’s not over oaked. I get some walnut bitterness and fruity notes (oranges). Water softens the whole, but brings out the caramel the most. But it’s quite drinkable without diluting.

The finish is warm and long, with the sherry but without the bitterness. Sweet fruits, mostly.

This Glengoyne is a sturdy one, bottled at the right time. It was clearly quite an active butt, having had such an influence on the Glengoyne spirit in ‘only’ 12 years’ time. Nothing much is left of the light, fruity character that is typical of Glengoyne. Instead you get this dry and strong Glengoyne, which is not a bad thing… at all!

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